In 1872, A.C.L. Carlleyle visited Bisalpur and provided the first known archaeological report on its temples under the supervision of Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). His report includes a fully measured plan of the Bisaldeo Temple that was lithographed at the Surveyor General’s office in 1877.
This inscription, dated 1187 CE (VS 1244), was composed during the reign of Prithivaraja Chauhan and records the donation of two sword handles to the mandapa (pillared hall) of the temple of Sri Gokarna in Vigrahapura (Bisalpur). It is inscribed on a pillar in the mahamandapa (pillared hall) alongside other informative inscriptions. The inscription underscores the strong association between the city of Vigrahapura (Bisalpur) and King Vigraharaja IV, also known as Bisaldeo, who is celebrated in oral accounts and medieval bardic accounts as the temple’s patron. The mention of the city’s name in the solidifies this connection. Furthermore, it establishes the original name of the temple as the temple of Gokarna, derived from the name of the shivalinga housed within a nearby cave in the village.
The square portion of the shaft of the pillar in the mahamandapa (pillared hall) is carved with a niche on each of its four faces. Within these niches are figure sculptures depicting various scenes: some portray apsaras (celestial damsels) engaged in activities such as playing musical instruments, dancing, or playing with a ball. Others depict yogis (ascetics) or royal figures engaged in acts of veneration. One niche notably showcases a sculpture of a four-armed Bhairav.
The ascetic is shown on one of the pillars with a long beard and what seems like a jata (matted hair). A kamandala (water carrier) is slung over one of his shoulders with a rope. He is depicted wearing nothing but a kopina (loincloth) and the janeyu (sacred thread), which is prominently displayed. The presence of the janeyu signifies the Brahmin lineage of ascetics in the Pashupata sect, tracing back to Lakulisa and his four disciples. Lakulisa himself is depicted elsewhere in this temple with a prominent janeyu. The minimalist clothing and kamandalu symbolize his asceticism.
The inscription dated 1174 CE (VS 1231) commences with the words Deva shri Gokarllanaghvasi, reaffirming the deity’s name as Gokarna Deva. It is inscribed on a pillar within the mahamandapa (pillared hall) of the temple, alongside other informative inscriptions.
A heavily bejewelled royal figure holding a garland is depicted on one of the pillars of the mahamandapa (pillared hall). While one might speculate that this figure could be representing the patron king, Vigraharaja IV, there's no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
Lakulisa is depicted two-armed and in padmasana (lotus pose) with his hands forming the dhyanmudra (the hand seal gesture for mediation), carrying a lakuta (club), in his left hand and a fruit in his right hand.